The prince and his soldiers took Famoura and began the long return ride to Chambord.
The night air was heavy and silent. The stars were hidden behind drifting clouds. Henry rode beside his sister, glancing at her from time to time, as if making sure she was real.
"You don't look like someone who's been broken," he said finally.
Famoura gave a faint smile. "They can chain my body, but not my will."
Henry's chest tightened. "I swore to bring you back, and I will."
But as they neared the River Brissac, her eyes began to wander. She saw the dark water gleaming beneath the bridge, whispering secrets only she could hear.
Suddenly, she pulled her reins hard and leapt from her horse into the river below.
"Famoura!" Henry screamed, his heart lurching. The soldiers dismounted, running to the edge, but the river was wild and fast.
"Find her!" Henry roared. "No one rests until she's found!"
For an hour, they searched — torches flickering, boots sinking into mud — until finally a cry came:
"Here! She's alive!"
They carried her from the water, soaked and shivering. Her breath was shallow, but her eyes — fierce as ever — were open. What they didn't see was the faint crimson glow hidden beneath her cloak.
The real Crimson Kira was strapped to her back, its power faint but alive. She had hidden it there all along.
---
By the time they reached the gates of Chambord, dawn had begun to break. Famoura could barely stand, but when she saw the castle's ancient well — deep and dark, its stones covered in moss — she knew what she must do.
Before anyone could stop her, she staggered toward it, clutching the hidden book.
"Famoura?" Henry called, confused. "What are you—"
She looked back, smiling faintly. "Forgive me, brother. The world isn't ready for its power."
And with one last breath, she threw the true Crimson Book into the depths of the well.
The splash echoed like thunder.
Henry ran to her, gripping her shoulders. "Why? Do you know what you've done?"
"Yes," she whispered. "I've saved us all."
He looked into her eyes — tired, wise, and resolute — and knew she was right. Some power was never meant to belong to any crown..